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2008 Buick Enclave Bottom Line

March 13, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's crossover experts read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Buick Enclave to produce this comprehensive review. The resident enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com also drove the Buick Enclave to add driving impressions and more information where it helps clarify the Enclave's talents and issues. In addition, this review compares the 2008 Buick Enclave with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice--even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Elegant exterior
  • Luxurious, roomy interior
  • Easier to live with than a full-size SUV
  • Lots of standard features
  • Clever options, like heated windshield washers

Dislikes:

  • Disappointing fuel mileage
  • Transmission “hunts”
  • Hefty, at 5,100 pounds

Buying Tips:


Because of the 2008 Buick Enclave's styling and interior features (namely the rear headrests), you'll want to consider the rearview camera option.

The 2008 Buick Enclave is a crossover vehicle--which usually means it's derived from car pieces. Only in this case, GM designed the Enclave and its sister vehicles (the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse) from the ground up, though some engine and suspension pieces are borrowed from the company's cars.

In looks, inside and out, the 2008 Buick Enclave has been enthusiastically received. It wowed attendees at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006 when it appeared as a so-called concept. Crowds loved its curvaceous fenders and glamorous detailing. The following year, it debuted as a full production model, and Buick wisely retained much of what was so well received about the concept. The exterior shape is curvaceous and handsome, though the D-pillar would look better blacked out than in body color (it's the vertical piece that separates the rear doors from the cargo area). Inside, it's subdued, luxurious, and high-quality throughout--and a revelation for Buick.

The 2008 Buick Enclave comes with a single powertrain, a healthy 275-horsepower V-6 and standard six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is good, but on the highway, the transmission sometimes hunts for the right gear, and jostles its occupants in the process. While EPA estimates give hope for 16/22 mpg (city/highway) for all-wheel-drive models, based on TheCarConnection.com's experience, those are optimistic.

The Enclave's ride is hushed and smooth, resulting in an exceptionally quiet interior. Compared to the other full-size crossovers from GM, the Buick includes many unique pieces that reduce road and wind noise.

In addition to being quiet, what makes the 2008 Buick Enclave particularly comfortable is the plus-size accommodations. It's huge inside, with a standard third row and room for 7 to 8 people (depending on the configuration). The third row's a real third row, too, not there only for advertising purposes. There's almost 19 cubic feet of additional storage space behind the third row; plus, maximum towing capacity is 4,500 pounds. Base 2008 Buick Enclave models come with 18-inch rims, front and rear A/C, stability control, full-row curtain airbags, and GM's OnStar concierge system with "turn-by-turn" navigation assistance. Higher-end models offer or can be ordered with all the niceties, from a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound stereo to three-zone climate control, a power rear liftgate, a head-up display (HUD), GPS, a two-panel sunroof, and backseat DVD entertainment system. A 19-inch wheel/tire package is available and looks sharp, but be sure you test drive a model so equipped before you buy, as the ride quality suffers a bit.

Other Choices:

If you’re interested in the 2008 Buick Enclave, also consider:

Reason Why:

Buick positions the 2008 Enclave as statement of American luxury. This crossover does battle against some heady competition, and most of them are more sporting and significantly smaller. If room is important, go with the Buick. Only the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 offer three rows of seats, but their last rows are better suited for children. The Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Infiniti RX all offer optional V-8 engines in their crossovers, giving their takes on luxury a bigger power punch.

The Bottom Line:

If Lexus is your current definition of luxury, check out the 2008 Buick Enclave to see a new American take on the subject.

TheCarConnection.com's crossover experts read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Buick Enclave to produce this comprehensive review. The resident enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com also drove the Buick Enclave to add driving impressions and more information where it helps clarify the Enclave's talents and issues. In addition, this review compares the 2008 Buick Enclave with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice--even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Elegant exteriorLuxurious, roomy interiorEasier to live with than a full-size SUVLots of standard featuresClever options, like heated windshield washersDislikes:Disappointing fuel mileageTransmission “hunts”Hefty, at 5,100 poundsBuying Tips: Because of the 2008 Buick Enclave's styling and interior features (namely the rear headrests), you'll want to consider the rearview camera option. The 2008 Buick Enclave is a crossover vehicle--which usually means it's derived from car pieces. Only in this case, GM designed the Enclave and its sister vehicles (the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse) from the ground up, though some engine and suspension pieces are borrowed from the company's cars. In looks, inside and out, the 2008 Buick Enclave has been enthusiastically received. It wowed attendees at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006 when it appeared as a so-called concept. Crowds loved its curvaceous fenders and glamorous detailing. The following year, it debuted as a full production model, and Buick wisely retained much of what was so well received about the concept. The exterior shape is curvaceous and handsome, though the D-pillar would look better blacked out than in body color (it's the vertical piece that separates the rear doors from the cargo area). Inside, it's subdued, luxurious, and high-quality throughout--and a revelation for Buick. The 2008 Buick Enclave comes with a single powertrain, a healthy 275-horsepower V-6 and standard six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is good, but on the highway, the transmission sometimes hunts for the right gear, and jostles its occupants in the process. While EPA estimates give hope for 16/22 mpg (city/highway) for all-wheel-drive models, based on TheCarConnection.com's experience, those are optimistic. The Enclave's ride is hushed and smooth, resulting in an exceptionally quiet interior. Compared to the other full-size crossovers from GM, the Buick includes many unique pieces that reduce road and wind noise. In addition to being quiet, what makes the 2008 Buick Enclave particularly comfortable is the plus-size accommodations. It's huge inside, with a standard third row and room for 7 to 8 people (depending on the configuration). The third row's a real third row, too, not there only for advertising purposes. There's almost 19 cubic feet of additional storage space behind the third row; plus, maximum towing capacity is 4,500 pounds. Base 2008 Buick Enclave models come with 18-inch rims, front and rear A/C, stability control, full-row curtain airbags, and GM's OnStar concierge system with "turn-by-turn" navigation assistance. Higher-end models offer or can be ordered with all the niceties, from a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound stereo to three-zone climate control, a power rear liftgate, a head-up display (HUD), GPS, a two-panel sunroof, and backseat DVD entertainment system. A 19-inch wheel/tire package is available and looks sharp, but be sure you test drive a model so equipped before you buy, as the ride quality suffers a bit. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2008 Buick Enclave, also consider:Lexus RX 350Volvo XC90Infiniti FXAudi Q7Acura MDXReason Why:Buick positions the 2008 Enclave as statement of American luxury. This crossover does battle against some heady competition, and most of them are more sporting and significantly smaller. If room is important, go with the Buick. Only the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 offer three rows of seats, but their last rows are better suited for children. The Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Infiniti RX all offer optional V-8 engines in their crossovers, giving their takes on luxury a bigger power punch. The Bottom Line:If Lexus is your current definition of luxury, check out the 2008 Buick Enclave to see a new American take on the subject. TheCarConnection.com's crossover experts read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Buick Enclave to produce this comprehensive review. The resident enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com also drove the Buick Enclave to add driving impressions and more information where it helps clarify the ...

Other Choices:

Buick positions the 2008 Enclave as statement of American luxury. This crossover does battle against some heady competition, and most of them are more sporting and significantly smaller. If room is important, go with the Buick. Only the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 offer three rows of seats, but their last rows are better suited for children. The Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Infiniti RX all offer optional V-8 engines in their crossovers, giving their takes on luxury a bigger power punch.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Buick Enclave

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Buick Enclave

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Buick Enclave near you

See the Buick Enclave in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Deb Harberon #1, Posted: 8/22/2008

    2008 Buick Enclave Bottom Line

    Here is what I don't understand. It is an elegantly appointed cross over that can carry 7 - 8 people. I certainly wouldn't load 6 kids in this car and I rarely drive around with 6 other adults, so who is this car for?

  2. By Diane #2, Posted: 9/2/2008

    One Size Doesn't Always Fit All

    The reviews are very helpful. I don't understand Ms. Harberon's reluctance to put children in this vehicle. It is safe and comfortable. Of course if you let your children do whatever they please, then I can see the reluctance. I have never had those issues with mine. As far as the adults are concerned, we regularly go to dinner and on weekend trips with other couples and have found the roominess and comfort to be a great asset. With gas prices so high, why would you not own a vehicle that could be used to share rides? It's also better for the environment to share rides. We have taken two other couples with us on at least eight different occasions and everyone commented on the comfortable ride. One other couple actually bought one after riding in ours. I guess if you are very concerned about the expense and the kids making a mess, a base model minivan or sedan is what you need. I wouldn't give my Enclave up for anything!

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